Kona Ice of Lowndes Shows Industry Innovation

​The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Power commended Kona Ice of Lowndes on their safe practices and redirection by naming them the Industry Innovation Winner.
COVID-19 stopped countless businesses in their tracks. The spread of the virus became a top concern causing cancellations for nearly all events in a group setting, which is where mobile shaved ice truck Kona Ice of Lowndes typically thrives.
Kona Ice of Lowndes graced Valdosta for the first time in 2017 and can be easily spotted traveling or parked with the truck’s bright colors and iconic, larger than life penguin. They deliver the purest, most refreshing shaved ice with over 60 flavors and thousands of flavor combinations. The Kona Ice truck also features a popular “flavor wave,” which is a self-serving flavor option for maximum customization.
With their recent acquisition of an additional truck and a free portable, free standing kiosk, Kona Ice is often found three places at once multiple days a week.
When the pandemic reached our area, Kona Ice owners Brenda and Russell Hassenstab were fearful of the unknown.
“We lost 11 schools we had contacts with in one week,” R Hassenstab shared.
At the time, the best decision seemed to be closing up the truck for two weeks then reevaluating. For the community driven Hassenstabs, this change in pace lasted just three days.
“COVID hit and killed everything,” R Hassenstab said. “It took us three days to realize shutting down was doing a disservice to our community.”
Since residents were rarely leaving their homes with social distancing in mind, the Hassenstabs arranged for Kona Ice to make neighborhood visits bring shaved ice directly to their fans. To create even more of a special yet still safe experience during such unprecedented times, Kona Ice reached out to other local food trucks inviting them to team up on the neighborhood visits.
“We were treated like a ray of sunshine in the neighborhoods,” B Hassenstab recalled. “Parents thanked us for bringing some excitement to their door.”
While boosting community morale, Kona Ice maintained their safe practices while implementing additional health and cleanliness features.
“We never touch the ice we serve,” the Hassenstabs explained. Kona’s shaved ice goes straight from the freezer, to the shaver directly into the cup. All Kona Ice employees also added masks to go with their gloves.
For additional safety, all high contact areas in the trucks and kiosk are treated with Microshield 360. This antibacterial applicant is applied in a two-step process that first removes germs then is followed up with a strong, protective coating.
Kona Ice has no intention of ending their safe, clean regime.
Have you seen Kona Ice of Lowndes in your neighborhood or at your workplace? Book them today for fun, refreshing and safe experience by checking out Kona Ice of Lowndes on Facebook or call them at 229-300-6605.